Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
The Complex Operative Unit (C.O.U.) for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) specializes in the rehabilitation of patients with severe conditions, primarily focusing on neurological and orthopedic disorders in the subacute phase. Clinical activities include both inpatient and outpatient care.
The unit is located on the 3rd floor of the IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza.”
The unit provides care for patients with severe acquired brain injuries (SABI) in the subacute phase, particularly those who have experienced or are currently experiencing disorders of consciousness and have been admitted to intensive care or neurosurgery.
Conditions managed in standard inpatient care include:
All rehabilitation processes are carried out following the development of an Individual Rehabilitation Plan created by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. This plan is implemented through interdisciplinary approaches involving various healthcare professionals.
Rehabilitation interventions aimed at restoring motor function and functional independence are delivered by experienced staff, utilizing established techniques such as Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), with a specific focus on Bobath and Kabat methods.
Advanced methods promoting neuroplasticity are also employed, including:
- Electromyographic biofeedback
- Mirror therapy
- Robotic-assisted therapy
The neurological gym is equipped with robotic systems integrated with virtual reality technology, allowing for enhanced rehabilitation exercises, including:
- Hand rehabilitation for stroke patients using the Glo-Reho device
- Gait recovery and training with a robotic system featuring an end-effector exoskeleton and body weight suspension (body weight-supported gait training) for patients with stroke or spinal cord injuries
- Proprioceptive training with the HUNOVA device, which aids in restoring trunk balance in stroke patients, improving balance and postural control in patients with cerebellar dysfunction or peripheral nervous system disorders, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or other polyneuropathies
The unit also provides specialized care for patients with severe acquired brain injuries (SABI) in the subacute phase, particularly those experiencing disorders of consciousness after being admitted to intensive care or neurosurgery (Code 75).
Conditions treated in standard inpatient care include:
- Cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Degenerative diseases of the central nervous system
- Spinal cord injuries
- Inflammatory neurological diseases
- Peripheral nervous system disorders
Clinical Studies
Since 2015, 24 studies have been published in international journals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Intiso+D&sort=date&size=200
Doctors
Dr. Centra Antonello Marco
Dr.ssa Di Rienzo Filomena
Dr.ssa Gatta Maria Teresa
Dr. Maruzzi Giuseppe
Dr. Iarossi Andrea
Dr. Tolfa Maurizio

Head of Operative Unit:
Dr. Domenico Intiso
Operative Unit Contacts
Secretariat
0882 835408
Clinic
0882 416440
Nursing Station
0882 410743
Medical Sciences Department
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